Menu
05/02/2002
SDLP leader highlights benefits of NI Policing Board
The SDLP leader Mark Durkan has briefed senior Irish American political leaders, businessmen and lawyers on how the SDLP is delivering the new beginning to policing.
Speaking at an Irish American Bar Association on Monday February 4, in honour of Gerard Lynch, a member of the Patten Commission, Mark Durkan paid tribute to the role of Irish Americans in ensuring a new beginning to policing.
Mr Durkan stated that through its participation on the Policing Board, the SDLP was continuing its role as pathfinder and leader of nationalist involvement in the new policing dispensation.
"Through out participation in the Policing Board, the SDLP is playing its part in delivering the new beginning to policing, instead of shouting from the sidelines. We have seen responsibility and opportunity intersect and offer a new path forward. Not for the first time, the SDLP have been the pathfinders.
"Thanks to the SDLP led pressure, the British Government at talks at Weston Park had to concede extensive and detailed commitments to bring its proposals back in line with Patten. As the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has pointed out, the Weston Park package can deliver both 'the spirit and the substance of the Patten report.'
The SDLP leader concluded: "We now have three separate institutions designed to hold the Police to account: the Police Ombudsman, the Policing Board and the Oversight Commissioner."
He said that the work of all three had highlighted the fundamental differences between the new policing arrangements and that of the old order. (AMcE)
Speaking at an Irish American Bar Association on Monday February 4, in honour of Gerard Lynch, a member of the Patten Commission, Mark Durkan paid tribute to the role of Irish Americans in ensuring a new beginning to policing.
Mr Durkan stated that through its participation on the Policing Board, the SDLP was continuing its role as pathfinder and leader of nationalist involvement in the new policing dispensation.
"Through out participation in the Policing Board, the SDLP is playing its part in delivering the new beginning to policing, instead of shouting from the sidelines. We have seen responsibility and opportunity intersect and offer a new path forward. Not for the first time, the SDLP have been the pathfinders.
"Thanks to the SDLP led pressure, the British Government at talks at Weston Park had to concede extensive and detailed commitments to bring its proposals back in line with Patten. As the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has pointed out, the Weston Park package can deliver both 'the spirit and the substance of the Patten report.'
The SDLP leader concluded: "We now have three separate institutions designed to hold the Police to account: the Police Ombudsman, the Policing Board and the Oversight Commissioner."
He said that the work of all three had highlighted the fundamental differences between the new policing arrangements and that of the old order. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
07 August 2002
SF renew attacks on SDLP over policing board
A war of words has erupted between Northern Ireland's two main nationalist and republican parties, with Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy accusing the SDLP of desperately trying to find "political cover" for joining the Policing Board.
SF renew attacks on SDLP over policing board
A war of words has erupted between Northern Ireland's two main nationalist and republican parties, with Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy accusing the SDLP of desperately trying to find "political cover" for joining the Policing Board.
17 August 2010
SDLP Leader Slammed For MI5 Comments
There has been an angry response to yesterday's call to give the PSNI back its former lead role in intelligence gathering. Speaking after SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie claimed that MI5 should hand over dissident republican intelligence to the PSNI as it had failed to prevent terror attacks across NI.
SDLP Leader Slammed For MI5 Comments
There has been an angry response to yesterday's call to give the PSNI back its former lead role in intelligence gathering. Speaking after SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie claimed that MI5 should hand over dissident republican intelligence to the PSNI as it had failed to prevent terror attacks across NI.
20 August 2001
SDLP accept policing plan
With the Tuesday midday deadline looming Northern Ireland’s political parties are rapidly running out of time to say whether they will accept or reject the revised implementation plan for reform of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. The document, which covers all 175 Patten proposals, has already been rejected by Sinn Féin.
SDLP accept policing plan
With the Tuesday midday deadline looming Northern Ireland’s political parties are rapidly running out of time to say whether they will accept or reject the revised implementation plan for reform of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. The document, which covers all 175 Patten proposals, has already been rejected by Sinn Féin.
29 August 2001
SDLP focus on policing as representatives meet HRC
Senior SDLP party members have met with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) as part of a strategy focusing on policing in Northern Ireland.
SDLP focus on policing as representatives meet HRC
Senior SDLP party members have met with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) as part of a strategy focusing on policing in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
